Karpathos Airport

The aerial gateway to Karpathos Island is not just an airport, but the beginning of your journey into a world of ancient legends and picturesque beaches of the Aegean Sea. Founded in 1970, today this compact yet lively airport welcomes travellers from all over Europe, especially during the summer season. Located on the southern tip of the island, it serves as a starting point for exploring all the beauties of Greece and, in particular, the unique island of Karpathos. Its runway, built in 1986, seems to extend directly into the azure waters, creating an unforgettable impression during takeoff and landing.

Despite its modest size, Karpathos Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to your holiday. It operates a single passenger terminal, which was opened in 2009, making navigation within it intuitive and quick. Inside, you will find shops, including Duty Free, cafes where you can have a snack before departure, and car rental desks, which is particularly convenient for those wishing to explore the island independently. Most flights are seasonal and charter, transforming the airport into a bustling hub during the summer months, connecting Karpathos with dozens of European cities. During the rest of the year, it provides stable connections to major Greek cities such as Athens and Rhodes.

Below you will find contact information for Karpathos International Airport (AOK), which will help you plan your trip and orient yourself upon arrival during your journey to Greece.

• Official Website: www.fraport-greece.com/kgf-karpathos. The site, managed by Fraport Greece, provides an up-to-date flight schedule, information about services, passenger regulations, and a terminal map.
• Information Service Phone: +30 22450 91120. Recommended for obtaining prompt information regarding flights and airport operations.
• Address: Karpathos Island National Airport, Karpathos, 857 00, Greece.
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Currently, Karpathos Airport does not maintain its own official social media pages. Important announcements and news are published on the general website of the operator, Fraport Greece.
• Lost & Found Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service handling your airline at the airport. Contact details for the specific service can be found at the counter in the arrivals hall or clarified with airline representatives.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance directly within the terminal, please approach the information desk. For general inquiries, you may also call the phone number listed above.

Karpathos Airport is located in the southern part of the island, approximately 15 km from the capital, the town of Pigadia. You can reach it in several ways, each with its own considerations regarding time and cost.

Public Transport: The most budget-friendly option is the local bus (KTEL). Routes connect the airport with Pigadia and some other popular resorts. It is important to note that the bus schedule is often adapted to the arrival and departure of major flights and may be irregular, especially in the off-season. We recommend checking the current departure times at the local bus station in advance. The trip from the island's capital takes about 30-40 minutes.

Taxi and Transfer: A more comfortable and faster method is to take a taxi. Taxi ranks are located in Pigadia and other tourist zones. The journey from the city centre to the airport takes approximately 20-25 minutes. The cost is usually fixed for this route, but it is always better to confirm the price with the driver before the trip. You can also book a private or group transfer online in advance, which is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage.

Car Rental: Renting a car is an extremely popular choice among tourists on the island. This not only solves the issue of getting to the airport but also provides complete freedom of movement to explore every corner of the island. Most major and local rental companies have desks directly within the airport terminal. You can easily pick up a car upon arrival and return it before departure, making this option maximally convenient.

Airport Parking: For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided. As with most small island airports in Greece, there is an open-air parking zone. It is typically designed for both short-term and long-term parking. Often, parking fees are moderate or non-existent.

Karpathos Airport (AOK) is a small and compact air station consisting of one passenger terminal. This building serves both domestic flights connecting the island with mainland Greece and international, predominantly seasonal charter flights from European countries.

The airport layout is extremely simple and intuitive. Thanks to its compact size, getting lost here is practically impossible. The terminal building is a single space where arrival and departure zones are clearly separated. All services are within walking distance of each other, so moving between different zones takes only a few minutes.

The Departure Zone is located in the main part of the terminal. Immediately after the entrance, you will find the check-in counters. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, after which they enter a small departure lounge. Here there are several boarding gates, a cafe, and a small Duty Free shop. The Arrival Zone is even more concise: it consists of a baggage claim hall with one belt and customs control. Right at the exit from the arrival zone, car rental company desks and a taxi rank are located.

The time required to complete formalities depends heavily on the season and passenger load. Outside the peak summer season, check-in and security screening take no more than 20-30 minutes. However, in July and August, when the airport receives and dispatches several flights simultaneously, queues may form. On such days, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, at least 2–2.5 hours before the departure of an international flight.

For navigation, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. Given that all processes — from check-in to boarding — take place in one small space, orienting yourself is very easy. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals.

The history of the airport on the island of Karpathos is the story of transforming a secluded corner of Greece into a popular tourist destination. The airport began operations in 1970, and in its early years, it was a modest airfield with a short runway. It served mainly domestic flights, linking the island with Athens and Rhodes, and played a key role in overcoming Karpathos's isolation.

A turning point in the development of the airport and the entire island came in the 1980s. In 1986, a large-scale reconstruction was completed: a new, longer runway and a modern terminal were built. This allowed for the reception of larger aircraft and, most importantly, international charter flights. It was from this moment that the tourism boom on Karpathos began, attracting travellers from Northern and Central Europe.

Since then, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet the growing passenger flow, especially at the peak of the summer season. An interesting fact: due to its coastal location and the strong "Meltemi" winds that often blow in the Aegean Sea, landing at Karpathos Airport is considered quite challenging and requires special skill from pilots. Today, Karpathos Airport (AOK) is the main air harbour of the island, annually welcoming thousands of tourists wishing to enjoy its unique beauty.

Karpathos Airport (AOK) is a small regional airport serving mainly seasonal flights. The range of services here is basic but includes everything necessary for a comfortable wait before departing from this picturesque island of Greece.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops. The terminal features several cafes and bars where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy soft drinks. Also open to passengers is a Duty Free shop with a standard assortment: beverages, tobacco products, perfumes, cosmetics, as well as Greek souvenirs and local delicacies, which make excellent gifts.

Lounges and Facilities. There are no separate VIP or business lounges at the airport. All passengers wait for their flights in the general departure hall. Free Wi-Fi is available within the terminal, and power outlets for charging electronic devices can be found in the waiting area, although their number may be limited during peak hours.

Financial and Medical Services. An ATM is installed in the airport building, but there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange offices. It is recommended to exchange money in the city beforehand. A medical station is available at the airport to provide first aid.

Passenger Services. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, provided that the service was requested through the airline no later than 48 hours before departure.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels on the airport territory itself. The nearest hotels, apartments, and villas are located in surrounding resort villages such as Afiartis, Arkasa, and the island capital Pigadia, which can be reached by taxi or rental car. Conference rooms and business centres are absent at Karpathos Airport.

Karpathos Airport (AOK) is a small seasonal airport, so dining options here are quite limited. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in major international hubs. Nevertheless, there is everything necessary to have a snack before your flight.

The main place for dining is the cafeteria located in the general area of the terminal, accessible to all visitors before security control (landside). Here you can order coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. This is the best place for a substantial snack or while waiting for flight check-in. After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, a small snack bar usually operates, where the assortment is more modest: drinks, chips, and packaged sweets. The opening hours of these establishments depend directly on the flight schedule and are most stable during the high tourist season (from May to October).

Although the choice of dishes is not large, sometimes you can find something with local flavour in the cafeteria, for example, a traditional Greek salad or cheese pies (tiropita) and spinach pies (spanakopita). This is a great opportunity to enjoy the tastes of Greece one last time before departure. Options for passengers with strict dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, Halal dishes) are practically non-existent. At best, you might find a packaged salad or fruit. If you have specific dietary needs, it is safer to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in tavernas on the island, so please be prepared for this.

Travelling through the airport on the island of Karpathos generally proceeds calmly, but knowing a few nuances will make your trip even more comfortable. Especially during the height of the tourist season (from June to August), it is worth arriving at the airport well in advance. We recommend being on-site 2.5-3 hours before the departure of international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights within Greece. This time is sufficient to go through all procedures without haste, even if queues form.

To save time at check-in, take advantage of the online check-in option offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed directly to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone. At security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as to place laptops, tablets, and liquids in separate trays.

When planning your flight, consider seat selection. When flying from Karpathos or arriving on the island, choose a window seat. Stunning views of the Aegean Sea, the island itself, and neighbouring archipelagos will open up to you — a wonderful beginning or conclusion to your Greek adventure.

Liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre, are allowed in hand luggage. Remember that olive oil, honey, or beverages purchased in local shops in containers larger than this volume must be checked in as luggage. Conversely, power banks and other devices with lithium batteries should only be carried in hand luggage.

Since Karpathos Airport mainly serves direct flights, transfers here are rare. If your route involves a connection at another airport (for example, in Athens), check with your airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave sufficient time between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines.

Customs control for travellers within the Schengen Area is usually formal. However, when flying to countries outside the EU, be prepared for standard procedures. Declare large amounts of cash and cultural valuables, if any, to avoid misunderstandings at the border.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security at a drinking fountain, if available. Prices for food and drinks in small airports can be high. Also, research transfer options to your hotel in advance: often pre-booking a taxi or shuttle online is cheaper than finding a car on the spot.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. Passengers departing from EU airports are protected by regulation EU261, which provides the right to assistance (meals, drinks, hotel accommodation) and potential compensation. Keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay, and do not hesitate to clarify your rights with airline representatives.